When the Demon-Suppressing Division's Commander

Gu Qingfeng sat upon the dragon throne, looking down at the assembled ministers, feeling an indescribable surge of satisfaction.

What is life?

This is what life should be!

Though, damn, this dragon throne is hard as hell—not comfortable at all.

The Golden Hall had fallen into complete silence, the ministers unsure of what to say in such a situation.

As for the emperor? He dared not speak, afraid that if he opened his mouth, his true thoughts might slip out.

Seeing no one speak, Gu Qingfeng said, "Don’t just stand there. This is the morning court. If there are any matters of state, speak up now."

The officials exchanged glances, none daring to voice a word.

The awkwardness deepened.

Then, an old eunuch standing beside the emperor quickly stepped forward to mediate. "If there are matters to report, speak. If not, court is dismissed."

Taking the cue, the ministers promptly replied, "Your Majesty, we have nothing to report."

Following protocol, court should have ended there.

But how could Gu Qingfeng possibly agree? He’d barely warmed the dragon throne—was it already time to leave?

Fine. If they wouldn’t speak, he would.

"Wait."

Gu Qingfeng halted them.

The ministers’ hearts sank, wondering what scheme the Prince of Equal Honor was about to unleash.

"Since none of you have anything to say, I’ll speak. As it happens, I do have a matter I’d like to discuss in court."

He then turned to the emperor. "Brother Emperor, what do you think?"

The emperor forced a smile. "Speak freely, dear brother. Speak freely."

Gu Qingfeng nodded. "Well... though I hold the title of Prince of Equal Honor, I cannot bear to idle in comfort. With great power comes great responsibility, as they say. So, I’ve decided to take on an official position—to share your burdens, Brother Emperor."

The ministers inwardly groaned. The prince wasn’t content with his honorary title—he wanted real power. But every key position in the court was already filled. If he took one, someone would inevitably be pushed aside.

No one wanted to be that someone.

The emperor, of course, was even more reluctant. A mere honorary title had already made Gu Qingfeng this unruly—what would happen if he gained actual authority?

Still, he gritted his teeth and asked, "What position did you have in mind, dear brother?"

"Brother, I’m not one to lust for power. I simply wish to serve the court—and you. As they say, every man to his trade. My background is in the Demon Suppression Bureau. Let’s be honest—when it comes to dealing with demons, no one in this world is more capable than I am. So, I’ve decided to humbly accept the position of... Commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau."

Commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau?!

At that moment, all eyes turned to the refined middle-aged man standing just a step behind Situ Kong at the front of the court.

Unlike the other officials, he wore a black Mysterious Fish Robe embroidered with gold and intricate patterns.

This was Lin Mubai, head of the Great Yan Dynasty’s Demon Suppression Bureau—its highest authority, an eighth-level Dragon Transformation martial artist!

Lin Mubai’s expression darkened, clearly displeased by Gu Qingfeng’s words.

"Brother Emperor, what do you think?" Gu Qingfeng pressed.

The emperor hesitated. The Demon Suppression Bureau was a department of immense real power, unrivaled in influence.

Fighting demons required formidable martial artists, and the bureau commanded countless such warriors—a force not to be trifled with.

Just as the emperor struggled for an answer, Lin Mubai stepped forward.

"Prince Gu, forgive my bluntness, but demons are vicious and cruel. The Demon Suppression Bureau deals exclusively with such threats. Your Highness is a man of noble stature—it would be unwise to risk yourself. I urge you to reconsider."

"And you are?"

"Your subordinate, Lin Mubai, Commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau."

"Ah." Gu Qingfeng nodded. "Precisely because demons are vicious and cruel, I must take this position. How can one catch tiger cubs without entering the tiger’s den? As Prince of Equal Honor, I must set an example for the people."

"Your Highness, you—"

"Enough, Commander Lin. The matter is settled. Brother Emperor, your thoughts?"

"I..." The emperor wanted to refuse but feared Gu Qingfeng might stop supplying him with elixirs. He was torn.

Then, Grand Tutor Situ Kong stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, Prince Gu’s passion for serving the nation and its people is commendable. However, Commander Lin has decades of experience and is equally skilled in combating demons. Why not appoint Prince Gu as a second Commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau? Let the two work together—one a divine disciple, the other a seasoned expert. Their combined efforts will surely purge the Great Yan Dynasty of all evil spirits."

The emperor pondered briefly and saw this as the perfect solution. It wouldn’t offend Gu Qingfeng, and with Lin Mubai balancing him, seizing full control would be difficult.

After all, Lin Mubai had been commander for decades—everyone in the bureau was loyal to him.

"The Grand Tutor speaks wisely. So be it. Attendants, prepare an edict—the Demon Suppression Bureau shall now have two commanders."

The emperor swiftly began drafting the decree, not even waiting for Gu Qingfeng’s approval, clearly eager to settle the matter before further complications arose.

As for Gu Qingfeng?

He was perfectly satisfied. His goal wasn’t power—it was the Demon Suppression Prison.

The prison at the bureau’s headquarters undoubtedly held the most diverse, numerous, and powerful demons in the world.

What a treasure trove! Missing out on such a place would be a lifelong regret.

Having two commanders was even better—Lin Mubai could handle the tedious administrative work while he focused on the prison. Perfect!

Especially now that he’d broken through to the Internal Qi Realm and could cultivate using demons. Where else could he find a better training ground than the Demon Suppression Prison?

So he didn’t interfere with the emperor’s decree. His objective was already achieved.

After the edict was read and a lengthy series of formalities concluded, the morning court finally adjourned.

Gu Qingfeng patted the dragon throne and left, taking with him a retinue of palace maids and servants straight to his new estate in the capital—a gift from the emperor.